PAYING for public transport in Geelong and Melbourne by credit card, smartphone or smart watch will be coming soon under the new operator of the state’s myki system, according to the Victorian Labor Government.
Announced earlier this week, Conduent Business Services will take over the running of the state’s public transport ticketing system from December 1, under a new 15-year contract.
There will not be any immediate changes to the present myki or V/Line ticketing system as Conduent transitions into the ticketing system, with customers still able to purchase and top-up myki at train stations, retail agents, as well as through online services and over the phone.
Following trials starting next year, improvements will be progressively added to the existing payment options and will allow passengers to tap on and off with their credit or debit card and pay with a digital wallet on a smartphone or smart watch.
Conduent operates more than 400 ticketing systems in 24 countries including major cities Paris, Dubai, Montreal, and New Jersey.
Labor says the new contract will make sure the myki system is more efficient and effective over the coming years.
“This new ticketing contract is an important step in the evolution of myki as a future-proofed ticket to travel on Victoria’s world-class public transport system,” Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said.
“We’ve made improvements to myki over the past seven years and now this new contract will provide a greater benefit to passengers – using proven technology to make it quicker and easier to top up, touch on and travel.”
Shadow Minister for Public Transport Richard Riordan said Victoria was “lagging behind the rest of Australia and the world when it comes to ticketing on public transport”.
“Victorians have already waited 18 years for a system that works and the Andrews Government must ensure the mistakes of the past are not repeated again.
“If this new system is ready off-the-shelf, then the Andrews Government must explain why won’t it be fully rolled out until the end of 2025.”